Strut, Slut!: The Wake

The third edition of JLF North Carolina, an international edition of the renowned Jaipur Literature Festival, comes to Raleigh September 11–13, 2026, bringing the spirit of one of the world's leading literary festivals to the Triangle. Celebrating the many arts, stories, and histories of Raleigh—the “City of Oaks”—JLF North Carolina will feature thought-provoking conversations, compelling performances, author sessions, and cultural experiences exploring literature, ideas, history, society, and the world around us. The festival will take place at Meredith College and NC State’s Institute for Emerging Issues. The program will bring together acclaimed authors, artists, thinkers, journalists, and cultural leaders from North Carolina and around the world. The 2026 lineup includes Belle Boggs, Jeff Tiberii, Karan Mahajan, Bob Crawford, and many more. The Jaipur Literature Festival takes place annually in Jaipur, India, and is internationally celebrated as the “greatest literary show on Earth.” Its spirit now travels through international editions across the US, UK, Canada, Spain, the Maldives, and Australia, bringing together diverse literary traditions and the unique culture of each host region. JLF North Carolina offers readers, families, students, educators, writers, and curious minds an opportunity to discover new perspectives, hear remarkable stories, and experience the power of books and ideas right here in Raleigh.

Four hours for them. Four hours for YOU. Drop the kids off at Battle House Laser Tag for a night packed with laser tag, pizza, a movie, and more laser tag. Meanwhile, you can go to dinner, catch a movie, run errands, enjoy a quiet house, or simply remember what it feels like to finish a sentence without being interrupted. Details Ages: 7 to 13 Time: 5 PM to 9 PM Price: $49 per child What's Included -4 hours total -Approximately 3 hours of Battle House Laser Tag -Large slice of pizza and a drink -Movie time during dinner, then more laser tag time For Parents: Four glorious hours where parents do not have to entertain anyone Reserve tickets at: https://ecom.roller.app/battlehousefayetteville/parentsnightout/en-us/products

Safe Homes, Strong Families Resource Day is a free community event presented by PR Home Care for older adults, family caregivers, and families who want to plan ahead and connect with trusted local resources before a crisis occurs. Meet local professionals and learn about fall prevention, aging in place and home safety, dementia and caregiver support, planning, medication safety, home organization, and other resources that can support safer, more independent living. Aging in Place North Carolina will provide a featured presentation, “How to Safely and Comfortably Age in the Home You Love.” The event will also include community resources, giveaways, and complimentary light refreshments while supplies last. Free and open to the public. Walk-ins are welcome.

Serving Brunch is a monthly event featuring live drag and burlesque performances held at our venue. This event combines high-energy entertainment with a casual dining experience to offer a unique weekend outing for our local community. The September production is hosted by Soultry Sweetzzzz. Featured performers include Babylon Mystere, Darshe Dazzles, Chartreuse Divinity, Goddess Bleu Pearl, and Red Holy Waters. Guests can enjoy a curated brunch buffet provided by Nation Pantry alongside a full selection of beverages available at the bar throughout the show. This production highlights diverse talent and creative stage work in an intimate setting. This event is designed for adults seeking a vibrant atmosphere and engaging live performance art. Whether you are a long-time fan of drag and burlesque or simply looking for an entertaining way to enjoy a meal, this brunch offers a welcoming environment for all. We invite you to join us for an afternoon of artistry and dining. Secure your spot today to experience this special monthly showcase with our talented cast and local catering partners.

Join us for a beginner friendly bachata dance night at Cuya in downtown Raleigh. This event is specifically designed to bring the sapphic community together for an evening of connection and movement through dance. The session focuses on building community while learning foundational Latin dance steps in a relaxed environment. The evening begins with a guided bachata lesson led by instructors Amy and DJ Cokie. Participants will cover basic steps, rhythm, and flow. Following the instructional period, the floor will open for attendees to practice their new skills and enjoy music for the remainder of the night. Guests can also enjoy drinks and Latin cuisine available for purchase at the venue. This event is ideal for anyone looking to try something new, meet other people in the sapphic community, or simply enjoy a night of dancing. The atmosphere is low pressure and welcoming for all experience levels. Please arrive on time, as the dancing will begin promptly at seven forty-five. We look forward to seeing you there for a night of music and community engagement.

This speed dating event is designed to help sapphic singles aged 25 and older connect with new people in the Raleigh area. Our goal is to provide a structured yet low pressure environment where queer women can meet for dates or build new friendships. Participants will engage in multiple one on one rounds with various attendees to spark authentic conversation. The evening features guided speed dating sessions supported by conversation prompts to facilitate easy interactions. Attendees will have access to curated drinks available for purchase throughout the event. Between rounds, there is dedicated time for open mingling to ensure everyone can connect in a relaxed setting. These activities are designed to streamline introductions and help you meet people you might not encounter in your daily routine. This event is perfect for those seeking genuine connections within the local queer community. We cultivate a welcoming atmosphere that removes the pressure often associated with traditional dating. If you are looking for a fun night out to meet like minded individuals, register today to secure your spot.

The Screwtape Letters is a live stage adaptation of the classic satirical novel by C.S. Lewis. This professional production explores themes of spiritual warfare through the perspective of a senior tempter based in hell as he orchestrates a scheme to claim a human soul. Attendees will experience a fast-paced performance featuring a solo actor who portrays the complex character of Screwtape. The production stays faithful to the original text while bringing the narrative to life with humor, tension, and theatrical intensity. This international hit has toured globally, offering audiences a vivid and thought-provoking look at the struggle between good and evil through a unique literary lens. This event is designed for fans of literature, theater enthusiasts, and anyone interested in philosophical storytelling. The atmosphere is intellectual and engaging, providing a compelling night of drama that invites reflection on life and human behavior. Whether you are familiar with the source material or a newcomer to the work, this performance promises a memorable experience. Purchase your tickets today to secure your seat for this limited theatrical engagement.

Side Stories is a live podcast event featuring hosts Henry Zebrowski and Ed Larson. This special performance delivers a deep dive into the latest true crime headlines and paranormal occurrences. It is a one-night opportunity for fans to engage with the hosts in person as they unpack the most mysterious and unsettling stories of the moment. During this performance, the hosts break down complex and spooky narratives with their signature mix of humor and investigation. Attendees will experience an unfiltered look at bizarre news segments, ranging from chilling criminal cases to strange unexplained phenomena. The show highlights the pair's unique ability to find comedy and insight within the most terrifying topics, ensuring a fast-paced and informative stage experience. This event is designed for dedicated followers of the Side Stories podcast and anyone with an interest in true crime or the paranormal. The atmosphere is interactive, lively, and centered on shared curiosity. If you enjoy smart commentary on dark subjects, this show is a must-attend. Secure your tickets now to participate in this exclusive evening of investigation and storytelling.

Raven Kennedy visits to celebrate the launch of The Sweetest Fiend, the highly anticipated first installment in her Played by the Piper duology. This exclusive evening event features the bestselling author discussing her new dark fantasy romance alongside host Jaimee from thtgrlreads. The program includes an engaging live conversation about the creative process behind the new book, followed by a dedicated question and answer session. After the discussion, guests will have the opportunity to participate in a book signing and photo session. Attendees are permitted to have one copy of The Sweetest Fiend personalized, with the additional option to have up to two backlist titles signed by the author. This event is designed for dedicated fans of dark fantasy and romance who want a closer look at the new series. The atmosphere will be welcoming and collaborative, providing a perfect space to connect with fellow readers and celebrate this new release. Tickets are limited, so we encourage early registration to secure your spot at this special author appearance.